She took her first mandolin class at the age of eight, even as her love for the six-strings grew with exposure to a range of guitar albums such as Choros by Villa-Lobos.
He started to take the guitar seriously when he got one as his birthday gift. But the teenager who dreamt of becoming a rockstar, ended up getting immersed in the world of classical guitar instead.
We are talking about Alexandra Petrisor and Dragos Horghidan of Duo Kitharsis from Romania, who have been pursuing classical guitar for the past ten years.
Here for their performance at the 10th Calcutta International Classical Guitar Festival and Competition, the stage and real life partners had a quick chat with Indulge. Excerpts:
How does it you feel, on your first trip to India?
Alexandra Petrisor: It’s an amazing feeling. My grandfathers and father visited India for more than 20 years ago, as seamen, and I heard stories about India as a kid. I also remember participating in a painting competition in India, when I was 10 years old.
Dragos Horghidan: I think this is the right time for us to be here. I am very excited that it happened now.
How much has your music changed over the last decade?
AP: Besides passion, I think being abroad for five years, and having the chance to meet, study and listen to some of the greatest musicians helped us a lot.
What inspires you as musicians?
AP: Orchestral music inspires me a lot, from baroque to the impressionists, besides flamenco.
DH: Also, artistes like David Russell, Pavel Steidl and Zoran Dukic.
How much of your journey as guitarists has been a struggle?
AP: It shouldn’t be a struggle if you are really passionate about it. I think being with Dragos helped me improve my self-confidence.
DH: My first real struggle was when I had to convince my family about being a guitarist. I am grateful to them because without their support, the road would have been more difficult.
Which artistes influenced you majorly?
AP: The Assad Brothers are our main source of inspiration. We also admire Duo Melis, Susana Prieto and Alexis Muzurakis, our former masters from Strasbourg, and our former teacher from the National University of Music in Bucharest, Catalin Stefanescu-Patrascu.
Anything new in the pipeline?
AP: This year, we are celebrating 10 years of Duo Kitharsis, and a new CD is coming up soon.
DH: Frederic Chopin’s music will be transcribed for two guitars. It will comprise 11 pieces, and we’ve decided to try our hands at recording, editing, mixing and mastering.
What can Kolkata expect from your gig?
DH: We are going to play a classical guitar music repertoire, some original works and some arrangements like Nocturnes or Preludes by Frederic Chopin, or Romanian music by Carol Miculi.
Listen to Duo Kitharsis at ICCR on December 15 at 5 pm
sharmishtha.g @newindianexpress.com
@ sharmidas